Fertility 101: Ovulation, PCOS, Stress, Male Factor & IVF Success Rates with Dr. Sasha Hakman

I’m joined by Dr. Sasha Hakman — double board-certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) specialist and host of Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman — for an empowering, myth-busting conversation on fertility, hormones, and what it actually takes to support reproductive health.We break down ovulation, PCOS, stress and missing periods, male factor infertility, and the real success rates of trying naturally vs IUI vs IVF — plus how age impacts egg quality and why fertility conversations need more truth, nuance, and far less shame. Sasha also shares her own fertility journey and what she wishes every couple (and every woman) knew before they start trying.If you’re trying to conceive, considering egg freezing, navigating PCOS, or simply want to understand your fertility and hormones with clarity (without fear), this episode will meet you exactly where you are.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe causes of female infertility and how to identify if ovulation is the missing linkPCOS explained: what it is, why it happens, and how lifestyle can help (without perfection)Stress, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and why missing periods are a real biological signalMale factor infertility: what a semen analysis can (and can’t) tell you + when to test furtherThe biggest fertility disruptors Sasha sees most: vaping, marijuana, alcohol, and ultra-processed foodsWhen it makes sense to optimize ovulation vs move toward IUI, IVF, or ICSIEgg freezing timing: the “sweet spot,” how many eggs matter, and why earlier can mean fewer cyclesSuccess rates by age: natural conception vs IUI vs IVF — and what most people don’t hear until it’s urgentWhy egg aging is largely about chromosomes (not just “mitochondria + supplements”)New research Sasha’s excited about: whole genome sequencing for embryosWhat Sasha wishes every couple understood before trying: tracking, teamwork, and consistency over perfectionWays to be SupportedFollow Dr. Sasha Hakman: @SashaHakmanMDVisit Dr. Sasha’s website: SashaHakmanMD.comListen to her podcast: Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha HakmanWays to Support the ShowFollow us on Instagram: @weshinewellJoin our Substack community to dive deeper with guided prompts, resources, and community conversationsFollow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listenRate and review to help others find our communityShare this episode with a friend who’s trying to conceive, considering egg freezing, or navigating hormone health